Kohli: Amla loss of form a worry for South Africa

India captain Virat Kohli thinks Hashim Amla's lack of runs must be a "very worrying factor" for South Africa ahead of the third Test in Nagpur.

Amla has made only 50 in three innings in the two Tests so far, with 43 of those coming in a losing cause in the opening game of the series.

The Proteas skipper has established himself of one of the best batsmen in the world and his opposite number Kohli hopes the 32-year-old's lack of form continues in the final two games of a four-match series, which India lead 1-0.

The India captain said: "If you see any sort of series or tours in the past, the opposition will obviously look to target the captain because he is the one making strategies.

"The opposition finds it very important for him to be not comfortable when he is batting out there especially. That is what I have experienced in the past as well. When we tour abroad, they try to target the captain and probably their main players.

"I wouldn't say we have targeted a particular player as such, but obviously I am sure it will be a very worrying factor for the opposition that someone who is an important player has not been able to get lots of runs in the series.

"We haven't really focused on doing that, but I know for a fact that a lot of teams plan to do that when they play against us or any other side in the world. It does help a little bit, I guess."

Kohli would not entertain talk of India having a psychological edge over the top-ranked Test team, who could again be without premier paceman Dale Steyn due to a groin injury.

"We have never been a team that's played mind games. We like to focus on our strengths and believe in our abilities," he added.

"That's what putting pressure on the opposition is. If you can go out there and express yourself in a good situation and a bad situation, then the pressure is obviously shifted on to the other side.

"I think that's what we want to maintain. As a group we like to focus on our strengths and what we need to work on rather than giving statements in the media and talking about stuff that has no relevance to the Test match."